Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 21,028, Charles Dyer, Mass. Sea Service

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass Real Service
Dyer, Charles Bethiah
W. 21,028
CONTENTS

Massachusetts 592 Bethiah Dyer widow of Charles Dyer Mass who died on the  at sea many years since of Plymouth in the State of Mass. who was an Ensign in the 8th Regt recommended by Captain Hazard of the  recommended in the Mass State University.
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass Pensioners, at the rate of 144. Dollars 49 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of March 1837 and seal H. K. N. J. Adams Secretary.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1837 2647.71 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept " 220.44
$2868.38 3/4
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3rd }
by H. K. Sylvester Clerk, Vol. 1 Page 71

E
I Thomas Drew, Clerk of the Town of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth in the State of Massachusetts do hereby certify that it appears by the Records of Marriages in said town, that the Marriage of Charles Dyer & Bethiah Cotton was duly & legally solemnized by the Rev Jacob Bacon January 19 th 1773.
Attest Th: Drew. Clerk of the town of Plymouth Aug 20. 1836.
Plymouth J. August 20. 1836 Then the above named Thomas Drew personally appeared & made oath to the truth of the above certificate by him subscribed before me and I certify that he is Town Clerk of Plymouth & a credible person.
Jacob H. Lord Jus. Peace

State of Massachusetts Plymouth County ss
Be it known that on this tenth day of August One thousand eight hundred & thirty six per- sonally appeared before the Honorable William Wood Judge of the Court of Probate for said County Bethiah Dyer a resident of Plymouth in said County & Commonwealth aged Eighty six years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision of an Act of Congress passed July 4. 1836. That she is the Widow of Charles Dyer late of said Plymouth, deceased, who served in the capacities herein after set in the Navy of the Revolution viz:
She said Charles served in the capacity of on board the Schooner Harrison, a public 1m 13d 52 Armed vessel in the service of the United Colo nies of North America, under the Command of Capt. William Coit, said service commencing early in the autumn of the year 1775 she cannot tell the

precise time, but she thinks in September & that he served on board said vessel until he was appointed Captain after which Commission is dated Jan 20. 1776
That the said Charles Dyer immediately on the termination of the cruise aforesaid was Commissioned as Captain of said Armed Schooner Harrison then & thereafter in the service of the United Colonies of North America & that he served in said capacity of Captain from the twentieth day of January 1776 to the warm weather of the same season being May or June as near as she can remember.
Said Charles soon after was Commissioned as first Lieutenant on board the Brigantine Independence fitted out by Massachusetts Bay, in the summer of 1776 commanded by Simon Sampson, that said Dyer served in said vessel in that capacity until she was taken by the British & carried into Halifax & said Dyer was a prisoner there about seven months.
That the said Charles Dyer also served nine months as first Lieutenant on board the Brigantine Hazard fitted out by the State of Massachusetts Bay during her first cruise under the command of Simon Sampson from Aug 20. 1777 to May 20. 1778.
She cannot fix the precise length of the several services with any more precision than she has done.

She further declares that she was married to the said Charles Dyer on the nineteenth day of January 1773; that her husband the said Charles Dyer perished at sea on his passage from the West Indies and  to Plymouth about the fifty years ago and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Her Bethiah Dyer Mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above written, before me, and I hereby certify that the said Bethiah Dyer is unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity.
Wilkes Wood Judge of Probate
I Jacob H. Love Register of Probate for the County of Plymouth do hereby certify that the Honorable Wilkes Wood is Judge of Probate for said County & that the above is his true & genuine signature. And I do further certify that the foregoing is the original declaration in the application of

Bethiah Dyer for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of the Court of Probate for said County this twenty- tenth day of August A.D. 1836.
Jacob Almond Registrar of Probate
No 47 Bethiah Dyer and of Charles Dyer Mess
After 4 Sept 1836 State Mary $400 29 for annuity in settlement
Rev J. G. Johnson Rev

Bethiah Dyer for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of the Court of Probate for said County this twenty-sixth day of August A.D. 1836.
Jacob H Lourd Register of Probate
No 97
Bethiah Dyer
and of
Charles Dyer
Esq.
after a bequest
to Mary $1000 29
for annuity no deduction
Rev J. L. ... Rev J. L. ...

Ms. A. 1. 6. 23 July 1836
James L. Edwards Esq. Com. of Pensions City of Washington D. C.

Plymouth Sept 19. 1836 (Massachusetts)
Dear Sir
On the 22 d August I forwarded to you the pension application of Bethiah Dyer from which I have not heard. At the same time I addressed you a letter, not in the same envelope, to which I rec d a reply in the course of two weeks. As two weeks more have elapsed, Mrs. Dyer feels some solicitude to know that her papers reached the Department & are under consideration. If you have not forwarded to me, when this reaches you, any thing in relation thereto, can you find time to say that her papers were rec d ?
I have no desire to trouble you with importunities touching these applications & I do not intend to do so for it would be attended with infinite trouble to your office as I shall forward to you in a few days the applications of several widows who were before the Probate Court the past week. But Mrs. D. is a very worthy old lady, dependent entirely on the charities of her friends & so very feels that she can hardly be expected to enjoy the bounty of the government long. I have a strong desire that she may live at least to receive the Pension & be

able before she dies to know that she has cancelled something of her dependence on her children. She has I believe three daughters all widows on whom she relies for a maintenance. Her application I have no doubt will be considered in turn but if I can be permitted to assure them that you have the papers under consideration they will rest easy for a while
Yours with great respect J. H. Lord
J. L. Edwards Esq. Com. of Pensions City of Washington

Navy Rev  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 26028
Bethiah Dyer widow of Charles Dyer Capt Rev War
Act July 4 th 86
Index: Vol 208 Page 208
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Chas Dyer -
* autumn 75. Schooner Harrison - grade not known. to Jan'y 76 -
* 20 Jan'y 76. Capt " Independence  Harrison till warm weather
o soon after 1st. # Independence - prisoner 7 mo. on rd.  6 mo. 5
20 Sept 77 to 20 May 78 - 1st. Hayward - second proof, proof 1 mo 13 days out 48 mo. 9 mo. 21 days
* Robbins 3 mo. Capt 4 years $48 - mo
o Boston - saw him prisoner in Dec 76. ret'd home June 77 - this -
Marriage established
# Vol 39 - p 6 -

30 / 100 / 13  30 100
112  6 = 26 5.74 24
15 2400 / 715  24 / 210 60 30 3 55  30 360  3 55 — — 903 55 — —

Plymouth Mass. August 20. 1836.
J. L. Edwards Esq Sir
When I addressed you a Note requesting certain copies from the files of Isaac Drew I wished them to aid Mrs. Beulah Dyer in stating the services of her husband so that she might obtain a pension. It was not my intention to make any improper use of them. It must be apparent to every reflecting mind that it is utterly impossible for these old women to tell in what Regiments, Companies or Depots their husbands served 50 or 60 years ago. They must have the aid of some record or they must fail of that benefit intended for them by the Act of July 4. 1836.
I send you herewith Mrs. Dyer's papers & having made myself somewhat familiar with her case I take the liberty to arrange the whole matter with the evidence she has in relation to each particular service.
1 st She says her husband served in some capacity or other on board the Sch. Harrison Capt. William Coit in the fall of the year 1775. I presume there is no person now living who was in her at that cruise. I forwarded to you in the case of Isaac Drew certain papers found among the papers of the late Hon. Eph. Spooner among which was a payroll of services on board this Sch. at this cruise. Dyer if not an officer was probably a seaman. Whether that roll contains the names of marines only I cannot recollect. If it contains the names of all on board Mrs. Dyer is confident that her husband's name will be found there. I have it strongly impressed on my mind that Drew said he was there. As we could not consistently leave

accept to the papers of Drew we can only refer you to that file for such proof as it may afford of Dyer's service. There is no other proof to be had.
2 d Dyer was appointed Captain of the Harrison Jan. 20 1776. His Commission is sent with these papers. As to the length of the cruise all Mrs. Dyer can say is that he did not return home until warm weather. There is one person now living in this town who was on board in that cruise named Samuel Robbins a very respectable old gentleman whose deposition is sent herewith & for convenient reference is marked A . In support of this term of service you are also referred to the application of said Isaac Drew wherein I am confident he claims for service under Capt Dyer in this same vessel & his declaration made under Oath is certainly strong evidence in support of this claim.
3 rd Mrs. Dyer says that her husband after he left the Sch. Harrison did not remain long at home before Capt Simon Sampson of this town who was appointed to command the Continental Armed Brig Independence obtained for said Dyer a Lieutenants Commission on board said Brig. He went to sea in her - they were successful & took a number of prizes - but at last were taken themselves & carried into a place in the British provinces & from thence taken to Halifax & detained there several months as prisoners until they were exchanged. She does not know whether there is any documentary evidence of this service or not. If there is it is probably in your possession. There is some account of this service in a "History of Plymouth" by the venerable Dr. James Trasker author of a Military Journal & many other works page 222-3 of the 1 st edition. If the work is not in your possession I presume Dr. Sewall of your city

may have it as he is an intimate friend & correspondent of Dr. Maacher. In proof of this term of service you will have sent herewith the depositions of William Weston & Barnabas Otis marked B and C.
4 th The next claim is for service nine months as 1 st Lieut on board Brig Hazard under Simon Sampson & this is proved by the Certificate of the Secy of State John P. Bigelow Esq.
Proof of the applicant's identity, that she has remained a widow ever since the death of her husband Dyer & that said Dyer was lost at sea is contained in the deposition of Major Jos. Thomas marked D.
Proof of the death of Charles Dyer is also proved by the deposition of William Weston marked B
Proof of the marriage of Charles Dyer to the present applicant is contained in Certificate marked E.
As early consideration of this application is desired as your engagements will permit.
Very respectfully Your obed Servt Jacob H. Lord

La Mass rolls V.L. 39 p. 6 Sub. 6m. 5 days
Oct 7. h. early 20.76 1m. 13 private Leaman. la paper have Green Mass
Mr. 270 270 37. 1.13 per hanging 5.74 3 mi. Capt. Hunsicker 16. 12.00 9m. Sub. Hazard 3 6m. 5d. Sub. Milford 3
15 5. 363 00 $ 441.29

A I Samuel Robbins of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth aged eighty three years on oath do testify & say that in the Winter of the year 1776 in January I enlisted on board the armed Schoon- er Harrison commanded by Capt Charles Dyer of this town & I served on board said Schooner during all the time said Dyer commanded which must have been according to the best of my recollection as much as three months & might have been more but I have not the means of ascertaining the precise length of time. Said Schooner mounted four guns on carriages four pounders & some swivels. We had a brush with a notorious British Commander in these seas by the name of Doughty but escaped him.
Samuel Robbins mark
Plymouth Jp. Aug. 20. 1836 Then the above named Samuel Robbins personally appeared & subscribed & made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit be- fore me & I do certify that he is a credible person
Jacob H. Lord Jut. Clerk

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Weymouth
I Mr. Moses Clerk of the Inferior Court in the County aforesaid hereby certify that the said H. Lord Sige before whom the foregoing deposition was taken is a Justice of the Peace for the same County of Plymouth duly sworn before a Justice and acting under the authority of the said Commonwealth - and that his signature to the jurat of the several depositions hereunto annexed is the true signature of the said Magistrate.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Inferior Judicial Court within the City of Weymouth in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty six
M. Moses

B I William Morton of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth, aged seventy nine years on oath do testify & say that in the Revolutionary War I was well acquainted with Charles Dyer of said Plymouth who married Bethiah Cotton & that I knew of his serving on board several public armed vessels at different periods of the War. In the year 1776 I enlisted on board a privateer being a Schooner called the Hope commanded by Walter Hatch. We were captured & carried into Cumberland near Halifax Nova Scotia about the last of November in the year 1776 The Continental Brig Independence, commanded by Simon Sampson who I well knew, was captured by the British by a vessel commanded by one Capt. Dawson & sent into Cumberland. Charles Dyer was first Lieutenant on board the Independence & saw him there a prisoner of War. The guns were taken out of the said Brig & the prisoners were put on board of her. The officers were all carried to Halifax and I did not see said Dyer afterwards until I saw him at home. I well remember that said Brig was built at Kingston about four miles from Plymouth for the Massachusetts Colony under the superintendence of Capt. Sampson & that Charles Dyer was appointed Lieutenant of her on her first

crime which according to the best of my recollection was in the course of summer of the year 1776.
I further declare & say that somewhere about the year 1780 the said Charles Dyer com- manded a vessel called if I recollect aright the Polly. on his return voyage from the West Indies he was shipwrecked at Bernu- das & all hands perished except the mate who was the late William Sturtevant of this town who is now deceased. Capt. Dyer perished with the others at that time.
The Brig Independence was brought into the Bay of Fundy a prize to the British after I had been a prisoner there about a month. I should think it about the last of December 1776. I cannot tell how long she had been cruising but it was some time. according to my best knowledge it must have been not less than four months from the time she sailed before she was taken & it might have been six months. Capt Dyer was carried to Halifax & detained there as a prisoner & it is my impression

that he did not get home till the June following. I got home in March & I know he did not get home until a considerable time after. In attempting to convey a lot of prisoners of whom I was one to Halifax in the Independence we were blown off towards the West Indies & were recaptured by an American privateer & thus were enabled to get clear of any further imprisonment & got home before the prisoners who went to Halifax.
William Weston
Plymouth J. August 20. 1836 Then the above named William Weston personally appeared & made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed. Before me & I do hereby certify that he is a credible person
Jacob H Lord Jus. Peace

I Barnabas Otis of Plymouth, in the County of Plymouth eighty years of Age, do testify & say that in the Year 1776 I lived in Boston & had a fellow apprentice who was from Plym- outh, that I recollect the Brig Independence built at Kingston for the Colony of Massachusetts came to Boston to fit out for a cruise & that I went down to the Wharf with my fellow apprentice & that I then knew Capt Scammon her Commander & saw Charles Dyer about the said vessel & he appeared to be exercising some authority & I had the impression at the time that he was an Officer but I do not now recollect that I had any positive knowledge of that fact at the time. A few years after I married in Plymouth & subsequently came here to reside. Barnabas Otis
Plymouth, Aug 20. 1836 Then the above named Barnabas Otis personally appeared & made Oath to the truth of the fore- going affidavit by him subscribed before me & I do hereby certify that he is a credible person.
Jacob H. Ladd Jus. Peace

D
I Joseph Thomas of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth aged 81 years on oath declare & say that in early life I well knew Bethiah Cotton, daughter of Col. Theophilus Cotton of said Plymouth, who was married to Charles Dyer of said Plymouth before the War of the Revolution, that I have known her ever since having for the greater portion of my life lived in her immediate neighborhood, that her husband who was an Officer in the Navy of the Revolution died many years ago, having been lost at sea & that he left the said Bethiah his Widow, that she never married & is now the Widow of said Charles, & living in said Plymouth & is the same person now an applicant for a pension under the Act of Congress July 4. 1836. Joseph Thomas
Plymouth Y. Aug. 20. 1836. Then the above named Joseph Thomas personally appeared & made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit, by him sub- scribed before me & I certify that he is a credible person
Jacob H. Lord Jut Peace Joseph Thomas

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Plymouth Jan 16. 1837
Sir
I rec d through the Hon. Mr. Adams your Report on the Case of Mrs. Bethiah Dyer made to the Secretary of War. The papers of Mrs. D. had so long remained without any intelligence that I could not pacify the friends of Mrs. D. without asking the attention of Mr. Adams. I have the honor to send you my views of Mrs. Dyer's claim & of the evidence in support of each term. While the subject shall be fresh in your recollection may I ask you Sir to give it an examination as to have a decision as soon as practicable. I send you herewith Dr. Thachers History of Plymouth. I send it as evidence to shew the public character of the Brig Independence. It may afford you some gratification aside from this as being the history of the oldest town in New England. For Dr. Thacher's standing as a historian I refer you to Hon. Daniel Webster, Hon. J. Q. Adams & Hon. John Reed. As to the standing & as to the authority to be given to the statement of Isaac Goodwin Esq, I refer you to Hon. John Davis of Mass. who was

a Member of the same Bar & a townsman.
Dr. Thatcher has informed me that there is in the Library of the Pilgrim Society a file of Old Newspapers & in one of the papers published in the Revolution is an account of the battle between the Brig Independence Capt Sampson & the British vessel commanded by Dawson & from that he obtained a portion of the facts in his History. He further says that for the bravery displayed by Sampson in this Brig soon after his return he was appointed to command the Hazard.
There is no more question that the Independence was a States Vessel, than of numerous others which have been proved by similar evidence to have been such.
I hope not to tire your patience beyond endurance but so confident am I on this subject that I feel I should fail in my duty to Mrs. D. did I not press this case strongly on your consideration.
May I hear from you soon.
With great respect
I am Sir your obdt. Servt. J. W. Lord

[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the paper]
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

J. L. Edwards Esq. Dear Sir,
Plymouth Feb 13. 1837
About four weeks ago I transmitted to you some explanations & evidence touching the claim of Bethiah Dyer. As her case may be examined more understandingly while the matter is fresh in your recollection may I be permitted to ask a decision upon the several points in it as argued in my last communication.
When you made your report to the Secy of War under date of Dec 22 d in relation to the Sch. Harrison it appears to me you must have forgotten that she was proved a public vessel belonging to Massachusetts in a former case viz: the case of Isaac Drew.
I am afraid you may think I impertune you unreasonably in relation to Mrs. Dyer's case. But it is to be considered that her case has been under consideration more than five months. I would not urge it upon your attention but it appears to me that you do not so clearly understand the case as if it was followed

to a decision as speedily as possible.
I'm daily urged by the friends of Mrs. Dyer who live in my immediate neighborhood in reference to her claim. I desire to see the end of it.
With respect I am Sir
Your Obedt. Servt.
J. H. Lord

Copy
Dr. Thatcher, Present,
Dear Sir
In your history of Plymouth page 222 you state in a Biography of Simon Sampson that he had the honor of being the first Naval Captain appointed by the provincial Congress & that he assumed the command of the Brig Independence belonging to the Colony & built under his superintendence &c.
I wish to know the authority you have for saying that the Brig Independence belonged to the Colony . This is made a question with the Pension Department and I intend to quote your history as evidence & in order to be strong on this point I should like to know where you obtained the information on which that statement is made.
Yours very truly J. H. Lord
Saturday Morning Jan 13. 1837

J. H. Lord Esqr.
Plymouth

Plymouth January 14 th 1837
J. H. Lord Esqr
Dear Sir
I make the following reply to your inquiry respecting my authority in asserting in my History of Plymouth that Simon Sampson was the first naval Captain appointed by the provincial Congress, and that he assumed the command of the brig Independence belonging to the colony &c. While compiling my history I corresponded among other intelligent antiquaries, with the late Isaac Goodwin Esqr, an attorney residing in the town of Worcester. From him I received in a written document all the information which I have published relative to the said Captain Sampson, and I have no reason since to doubt of his fidelity and accuracy, more especially as his statement is corroborated by the general opinion in this place. He was a grandson of Captain Sampson on the mothers side and you are not unacquainted with his his reputation as a Lawyer and an indatigable antiquarian.
I am very respectfully your ob t Serv t .
James Thacher.

Case of Bethiah Dyer for a Pension.
Sir
I proceed to consider the objections contained in your Report of Dec 22, 1836 to Hon. B. D. Butler Secy of War ad interim respecting the case of Mrs. Bethiah Dyer Widow of Charles Dyer deceased.
I extract from your Report the following paragraph "in relation to the first term of alleged service on "board the Schooner Harrison in 1775, no record "has been found to shew that such a Schooner was "in the service of Massachusetts."
This very question was raised in the case of Isaac Drew of Massachusetts under the Act of June 7, 1832 he claiming to have served in the Schooner Harrison in the fall of the year 1775 under William Coit. At that time I had the pleasure to send you a curious document in relation to the chartering of that Vessel. I also sent you evidence of her public character furnished by Mr. Jared Sparks from Washington's papers. Also several letters relating to the employment of said Vessel & 5 others of same class. No conclusive was the evidence that Drew was commissioned for that service. I think these facts

must have escaped your recollection when you started this objection anew. In the cruise under Capt. Soldiers were taken from the Gen net a Port in Plymouth harbor for Marines. I sent you a pay roll of this cruise, setting forth the term of service. Whether this pay roll embraced any others than the Marines my recollection does not enable me to say. If it does we presume it contains the name of Charles Dyer. Whether as a Seaman or in some other capacity Mrs. Dyer does not recollect. As the evidence submitted in Drews case was satisfactory as to the public character of the Harrison I presume her character will not be questioned now. If you are not satisfied in reference to Drews papers please write me & I will procure the evidence from Mr. Sparks contained in Washingtons papers. If you are satisfied as I cannot doubt you will be that the Harrison was in the Service of Massachusetts, the question then is did Dyer serve at that time under Capt. If his name is borne on the pay roll sent you in proof of Isaac Drews case the question as to this service is settled in Dyer's favor. If that pay roll does not contain any other than Marines

Mrs. Dyer is left without any proof & must rely on her naked declaration. Isaac Drew in 1832 was the only survivor in that cruise & he is now dead.
Your next paragraph is the following
"Nor does it appear by them that Capt. Harrison (Dyer) was in service from January 1776 to "warm weather as alleged in the narrative of the second term."
I sent you with Mrs. Dyer's papers a Commission signed by General Washington appointing Dyer to the Command of this very Schooner Harrison. Here is another species of evidence as to the public character of this vessel. This Commission also proves the commencement of the second term of service. The public character of the vessel being established by the facts above & before stated the question now is as to the length of service. It is fair to estimate its beginning at the date of the Commission in January 1776. As to its duration Isaac Drew if I recollect aright claimed to have served a certain term in the Schooner Harrison under Capt. Dyer . Now this is better & stronger evidence for Dyer than a deposition

for the declaration was made without any reference or expectation of the presentation of any claim for Mrs. Dyer. In addition to this I sent you with Dyer's papers a deposition of Samuel Robbins who served in the Schooner Harrison under Capt. Dyer. He could not state the precise termination of the cruise but if I remember his evidence he stated it to be not less than three months . Here then are two witnesses as to length of second term of service as Captain of the Schooner Harrison. I do not remember how long Drew stated the service under Dyer to be. If he stated 3 months at least it is certainly bringing Mrs. Dyer's narration pretty near to the test. Robbins knows the service to be longer but is unwilling to swear to any certain period beyond three months.
Your next paragraph is the following
"With respect to the third term as Lieutenant "on board the Independence in the fall of "1776 in which he was taken prisoner there is "no record found in relation to a public vessel "of that name."
1. as to public character of the "Independence"

All our most respectable aged citizens well know that the Brig Independence was built very early in the Revolutionary War for the Colony as it was then termed by a Mr. Drew at Kingston a town adjacent to Plymouth, and that Capt Simon Sampson was appointed to her command & that he superintended her building. If you will admit depositions of gentlemen whom you shall be satisfied are of the highest standing in the community as to this fact I doubt not I can produce several. The only historical evidence I know of in relation to this point is contained in Thatchers History of Plymouth which I have sent you herewith and I refer you to page 222 &c of that volume for proof of what is contended that this vessel belonged to Massachusetts & was a public armed vessel. Simon Sampson died many years ago. His Widow afterwards removed to the Western part of the State of New York & died a few years since & what has become of his papers I am unable to learn. I addressed a Note to the venerable Dr. Thatcher to know the authority on which the statement contained in his Book was made & his reply is subjoined the substance of which is that the Biography of Capt Sampson was written & furnished

by Isaac Goodwin Esq a lawyer of respectability A distinguished Antiquarian who died at Worcester in this State three or four years ago. Mr. Goodwin was a descendant on the Mother's side from Capt Sampson. How much credit you are inclined to give to these species of evidence I am unable to say. Dr. Thatcher's history merely proves the Brig Independence to be a public vessel commanded by Sampson. There is no mention of Dyer or of any other person being on board except Sampson. But in the Depo- sition of William Weston you will find evidence of Dyer being a Lieutenant on board after & a coincidence in the account given of her being sent into Nova Scotia a prize.
The last term of service on board Brig Hazard you admit - to wit 9 months as Lieut.
To Recapitulate your Objections & my explanations & answers
1. As to the Sch. Harrison you object that there is no evidence that any such vessel was in the service of Massachusetts.
Answer! That this was proved to your satis- faction in the Case of Isaac Drew & he was pensioned for service on board of her

in a cruise under W m Coit & another under Dyer. It is also proved by Dyer's Commission sent you signed by Gen. Washington.
Evidence of the length of service in the Harrison as Captain after Robbins' Deposition & Isaac Dyer's declaration for his own pension. If he served as Mrs. Dyer alleges under Coit in her first cruise we suppose his name may be on pay roll sent you in Dyer's case.
2 You object that there is no evidence that any such vessel as "Independence" was in service of Massachusetts.
The Proof adduced is Dr. Thatchers History. If depositions are admissible I will furnish evidence of that character.
From a review of the above & your letter you are willing to issue a Certificate for
9 months at St. Brig Hazard and I think you must be satisfied of the public character of the Harrison and you will allow as much service as Captain as the Deposition establishes with Dyer's declaration and if the name of Dyer is on the pay roll alluded also as much service as that pay roll sets forth. As to the service on board the Harrison we can

not furnish any more proof.
If you feel satisfied of the public character of the Independence from the evidence submitted you will allow as much time as you think the testimony proves. We cannot procure any other evidence as to length of service on board of her.
In other words if you are satisfied that the Harrison & Independence were public Armed vessels you please issue a Certificate for the Genl. Hazard & as much time on board the Harrison & Independence as you can. If you are satisfied as to the Harrison but not as to the Independence please issue a Certificate for the Harrison & Hazard services allowing Mrs. Dyer an opportunity to surrender this Certificate & obtain a new one provided further evidence can be obtained to shew her public character.
As this case has been a good while under examination may I ask for an early consideration & you will greatly oblige
Yours Oft &c
Jacob N. Lord

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, July 29 1836.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Charles Dyer is borne on "Pay Roll for the Officers Seamen & Marines &c. belonging on board the Brigantine Hazard fitted out by the State of Massachusetts Bay during her first cruise under the command of Simeon Samson" where he served as 1st Lieut. from August 20 th 1777. to May 20 th 1778. nine months. 29 th .
John C. Bigelow
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

By His Excellency George Washington Esq: Commander in Chief of the Army of the United Colonies of North America.
To Charles Dyer Esq:
By Virtue of the Power & Authority be- me granted by the Honourable Continental Congress I do hereby constitute & appoint you Commander of the Armed Schooner Harrison, in the Service of the United Colonies of North America to have hold exercise & enjoy the said Office of Commander, and to perform & execute all Matters and Things which to your said Office doth or any of Right belong or appertain, until further Order shall be given herein by The Honourable Continental Congress respecting future Commander in Chief of said Army, Welling & commanding all Officers, Sailors, & Persons whatsoever concerned, to be obedient and obeying to you in the due execution of their Commissions.
Given under my Hand & Seal at Cambridge the 20 th day of January Anno Domini 1776.
By His Excellency George Washington
G Washington